Maintenance In the lead-up to the 2019 state election, the department’s website and other channels will operate in line with the caretaker conventions. This means there will be limited updates from 1 March 2019 until the election is finalised.

What is exchange?

Participants swap teaching or work positions for the duration of the exchange (twelve months from January to December). Salary is not swapped; the participants continue to be paid their salary by their home employing authorities.

Which countries could I go to on exchange?

Our teacher exchange team currently co-ordinates exchanges to Canada, the United States of America, and European International Schools as available. Note: If your application is successful, you will need to be able to meet immigration and entry requirements of the host country. Some exchange locations may require a copy of your teacher education studies and NSW Teachers Certificate.

How are applications matched

After the closing date, the teacher exchange team will suggest possible placements to the Principals of selected applicants. If the exchange is accepted by school, the placement will be offered to the applicant. The exchange will also need to be accepted by the overseas parties as well as the department. Priority is given to exchange participants who are highly recommended by their Principal / Director.

Will both successful and unsuccessful applicants be notified of the outcome?

What happens if both spouses/partners apply?

In cases of joint applications between teaching spouses/partners, both applicants must state the other is applying on the application form and indicate whether the applications should be considered jointly or individually. If only one spouse/partner is selected for exchange, the teacher exchange team will make every effort to facilitate leave arrangements for the other spouse/partner. Note: there is no guarantee that leave of absence will be granted. As with exchange participants, the spouse/partner will have right of return to their teaching position immediately following the exchange period.

Will I have to organise my own accommodation for the period of the exchange?

No. Accommodation is swapped or provision is otherwise arranged which is suitable to both exchange participants. Accommodation and vehicle exchange arrangements are entirely the responsibility of the exchange participants. The swapping of vehicles is not recommended.

Will I receive my normal salary while on exchange?

Yes. Salaries are not swapped between exchange participants. Note: if you currently hold an executive or principal position and accept an exchange to a lower executive or classroom teacher position, you will receive the salary applicable to the level of the exchange position. Principal and executive participants who exchange to a lower or non-executive position should consult their superannuation scheme regarding the implications of a reduced salary during the exchange year. There may also be implications for certain workplace compensation claims if exchanging on a reduced exchange salary.

What will my professional responsibilities be during and following the exchange?

Just as you would fulfil your duties in your home workplace, you will need to fulfil your exchange placement duties at your host school. Participants need to be flexible and adaptable in order to teach in different education systems, with a range of structures, routines, curriculum, assessment, staff and students.

In September prior to exchange commencement, an orientation conference is held for successful exchange applicants to assist in preparing for their exchange. However, exchange participants are ultimately responsible for their professional and personal organisation. In making professional arrangements, successful applicants must ensure that they:

correspond with their exchange partner and obtain information on the foreign education system and the professional requirements of their exchange position;

correspond with the overseas or interstate principal;

nominate a school or college sponsor and community;

prepare units of work and resources for the first part of the exchange, prepare the classroom and provide curriculum documents; and

inform and prepare the students, staff and parents for the arrival of the incoming exchange participant, making them aware of the implications and benefits of the exchange situation.

An additional requirement for NSW exchange participants is to gather information for the completion of a two-page research brief, to be delivered shortly after their exchange concludes.

After the exchange, you will need to teach with the department for at least 12 months.